Description
The Alcachofa de Tudela PGI is the head of artichoke from Cynarus scolymus L. species, Blanca de Tudela variety. It can be used fresh or transformed into a conserve.
Production Area
The production area of Alcachofa de Tudela PGI covers 33 districts in the southern and southeastern side of the Autonomous Community of Navarra, in north-eastern Spain.
Production Method
The density of plantations spans from 8,000 and 12,000 plants per hectare. The artichoke for fresh consumption is yearly harvested, while the one for conserves can be picked up twice a year. It can be harvested by hand with the help of knives. The artichokes used for conserves maintain unaltered the organoleptic features of fresh artichokes. The processing method of artichokes for conserves includes different phases: first, the hardest leaves are eliminated; second, they are classified on the basis of their sizes, then weighed, packed and sterilized through a heat treatment.
Appearance and Flavour
The Alcachofa de Tudela PGI has an oval shape, compact and green colour. The packed product is ochre colour with a characteristic taste and texture.
History
The production of Alcachofa de Tudela PGI goes back to the Middle Ages, exactly in the period of the Muslim domination and it is strongly linked to local traditions. Up to last century, it was sold as a conserve only on the local markets. The development of the industry of conserved food has given a new input to the expansion of the artichoke cultivation, which today covers a high percentage of ground dedicated to the cultivation of the vegetables from Navarra.
Gastronomy
The Alcachofa de Tudela PGI, when fresh, must be stored in fresh and dry rooms. It can be stored in the refrigerator for some days. If fresh, it is advised to eat it immediately after purchase, prepared in different ways: fried or filled or used as an ingredient for many dishes. In addition to be used for the preparation of risotto and other meatbased dishes, the Alcachofa de Tudela PGI is the fundamental ingredient of the menestra (a type of soup), a local dish of this area, cooked principally in spring.
Marketing
The product is sold as Alcachofa de Tudela PGI, fresh or in conserves. The fresh artichokes are subdivided into two varieties: Extra and I. The fresh product is generally sold with its stalk by bunches including 12 artichokes or free from stalk, depending on weight. The artichokes are packed in wooden, plastic or food-friendly cardboard boxes. The conserves of artichokes are sold as an entire or halved heart in suitable containers in different weights.
Distinctive Features
The Alcachofa de Tudela PGI is cultivated on terraces near Ebro, Ega and Aragón rivers in lands characterized by medium grain, rich in lime and free from rocks. The climate, which is characterized by cold winters and mild springs, has enabled to achieve a very good quality product.
